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ICE CONTROL WITH ROCK SALT AND ABRASIVES

The conclusions are presented of field tests (detailed) conducted to determine the practicality of treating icy pavements with certain synthetic abrasives and to determine the relative merits of salt, sand, ashes, grit and slag for iced surface controls. It was found that in order to obtain equal traction effectiveness using the salt rates actually used as a base, the required cu. ins. per sq. yd. of pavement are estimated to be: salt, 6.1; slag, 7.6; sand, 9.7; grit, 3.7; and ashes, 4.8. Extended for the estimated 3 ice storms per year, the annual costs are estimated to be salt, $150,000; slag, 194,000; sand, $213,000; grit, $113,000; and ashes, $99,000. Salt applications to icy pavements at unit rates of 1/8 of 1/6 lbs. per sq. yd. are fully effective for most weather conditions (exceptions are noted). Recommendations (based on these findings) are presented, which could lead to savings between $50,000 to $75,000 per year.